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JuilliardX: Jx002x Piano Preludes: Bach, Chopin, and Debussy

GRADING POLICY

Assessment Type Percentage of Final Grade
Quizzes 45%
Lesson Completion 55%

Notes about assessments:

Weekly quizzes and the final quiz will be based on content learned from instructional videos throughout the course. All quizzes are open-book; students are welcome to re-watch videos as many times as they need in order to learn the material.

Students should indicate lesson completion at the end of each lesson.

VERIFIED CERTIFICATE POLICY

If students choose to take this course for a verified certificate, they will receive their certificate at the end of the course with a passing grade of 65%. Progress throughout the course can be monitored by viewing the Progress Tab on the course site.

Course Syllabus

Objectives Assignments

Intro Module

This module prepares you to:

  • Define the term “prelude.”
  • Describe the historical evolution and importance of the genre.
  • Make connections between preludes of Bach, Chopin, and Debussy.
  • Quiz: watch the video “What is a Prelude?”
Objectives Assignments
Module 1: Bach’s Prelude in C Major

Module 1 prepares you to:

  • Identify the chordal texture of the Bach prelude through a technique called “blocking.”
  • Determine appropriate fingering for based on the voice leading in this prelude, as well as several pattern repetitions.
  • Establish correct rhythm based by practicing the prelude with the metronome at various speeds.
  • Quiz: listening to the performance of J.S. Bach’s Prelude in C Major
  • Ungraded Self-assessment (pre)
  • Quiz: instructional video
  • Complete: Lesson #1
  • Complete: Lesson #2
  • Complete: Lesson #3
  • Ungraded Self-assessment (post)
Objectives Assignments
Module 2: Chopin’s Prelude in E Minor

Module 2 prepares you to:

  • Identify the vocal/accompanimental texture of this prelude and apply that to the balance between the hands.
  • Determine appropriate fingering for the prelude based on voice leading, chord changes, and legato requirements.
  • Master the polyrhythm that appears in this prelude.
  • Make artistic choices throughout the piece regarding the shape of the melody in the right hand.
  • Quiz: listening to the performance of Chopin’s Prelude in E Minor
  • Ungraded Self-assessment (pre)
  • Quiz: instructional video
  • Complete: Lesson #1
  • Complete: Lesson #2
  • Complete: Lesson #3
  • Complete: Lesson #4
  • Ungraded Self-assessment (post)
Objectives Assignments
Module 3: Debussy’s “The Girl with the Flaxen Hair”

Module 3 prepares you to:

  • Identify old and new textures that Debussy creates in this prelude.
  • Determine appropriate fingering based on chord changes and legato requirements.
  • Establish correct rhythm for the prelude by practicing the metronome at the subdivided beat.
  • Voice appropriate chords throughout the piece.
  • Establish tempo of the prelude by learning the relevant French terminology.
  • Quiz: listening to the performance of Debussy’s “The Girl with the Flaxen Hair”
  • Ungraded Self-assessment (pre)
  • Quiz: instructional video
  • Complete: Lesson #1
  • Complete: Lesson #2
  • Complete: Lesson #3
  • Complete: Lesson #4
  • Ungraded Self-assessment (post)